Staff Spotlight: Michele Friedmann

Title:
Student and Program Manager

What is your favorite travel memory?

I spent three weeks in Istanbul, Turkey taking graduate credits and staying with two different host families. It was a beautiful experience being in such a unique culture while being treated like family by the locals!

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

I've grown in a lot of ways! I've had the opportunity to plan, manage and help lead team trips which I really enjoy doing. I also get to speak with students and parents about the importance of studying and/or interning abroad. I've conquered certain fears and improved my skills in a variety of areas too.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

On our last team trip to Berlin and Barcelona, there was one student who had never ridden a bike before. She specifically learned how to because she saw it on the itinerary before the trip (bike tour through Berlin on day 1).

Watching her conquer her fears and totally kill it on this bike was amazing! She followed up with me after and thanked me for having the patience to help her out on her first biking experience. I thanked her for being so positive and such an inspiration!

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

Good question, all of them! It's been a while since I've been to Prague so that would be on the top of my list. Please take note GP!

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

So many things! We exclusively focus on student athletes and tailoring the program around their needs and goals. Our programs are a great opportunity for athletes to continue playing their sport internationlly while seeing the world, creating lifelong connections, earning credits, enhancing their resume and more!

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

Team work! Working well together and being passionate about what you're doing!